Working Conditions Aboard the Zheng-He

The dredger 'Zheng He', having been held in Tampico since November 2023, has finally been released, marking the end of a lengthy legal battle. The vessel departed from the port on March 14, 2026, indicating a successful resolution of the dispute between its owner, Jan De Nul, and Mexican authorities. The detention stemmed from a tax disagreement, with the local government classifying the ship as an imported good, leading to demands for import duties amounting to nearly $90 million due to its significant value. Though the details of the settlement remain undisclosed, the well-being of the crew has been confirmed as they navigate towards Freeport, with an expected arrival on March 20.

The dredger 'Zheng He' has been stuck in Mexican waters for nearly ten months, following its scheduled journey from the Bahamas to Tampico for crew changes, refueling, and maintenance. Mexican authorities have raised concerns about customs compliance, claiming that the vessel lacked the necessary documentation. As a result, Mexico has classified the 'Zheng He' as an imported good, demanding an import fee of 96 million Euros, which reflects the ship's value. The vessel’s owner, De Nul, along with representatives from Luxembourg, has vehemently challenged this financial demand and has refused to settle the fine, leading to the prolonged detention of the ship and its 36 crew members, who remain unable to disembark. Legal actions have been initiated to compel Mexico to release the ship and its crew. In a recent development, Luxembourg brought the issue before the Mexican judicial system, which ruled in their favor, indicating that Mexico's actions were improper. Yet, Mexico has yet to comply with this decision, leaving the situation unresolved. In June 2024, Luxembourg escalated the matter to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) located in Hamburg. However, the tribunal opted not to intervene promptly, stating that there was no immediate need to facilitate the crew’s disembarkation. Nonetheless, ITLOS retains jurisdiction over the case and is expected to deliver a conclusive ruling in the future.